Drunk Craig Hardy assaulted two teenagers after telling them he was an undercover police officer.

The 33-year-old had been drinking all day when the incident happened in Newcastle town centre.

Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Hardy had approached the young people because he heard them mention the name of someone he believed had committed an offence against his friend.

Prosecutor Natalie Merchant said: “On December 14, at around 8pm, Mr Hardy approached a group including the two injured parties – who were aged 14 and 15 – asking for the location of a male.

Craig Hardy was sentenced at North Staffordshire Justice Centre

“There was a discussion between them, whereby the defendant accused them of not telling the truth. He then said to them, ‘I’m an undercover off-duty cop. You have got 15 minutes to leave the town centre or I will get more officers to come and remove you.

“The injured parties doubted this information. Mr Hardy then headbutted one of them, making contact with his forehead, and punched him in the face, making contact with his jaw.

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The second boy stepped forward to inquire why Mr Hardy has done that, and he is punched in the jaw.”

Hardy, of Ashfield Road, Newcastle, went on to plead guilty to two charges of assault by beating. He admitted a further offence of possessing cannabis when he was detained by police for an unrelated matter. The court heard he had no previous convictions.

Lee Yates, mitigating, said: “In the run-up to these offences, Mr Hardy had been dealing with some emotional stress. He had been trying to deal with those issues by the consumption of alcohol.

“On this day, he was making his way home when he heard the group of young people mention the name of this individual. He challenged the group, who did not respond kindly to him.

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“He admits he then loses his temper. He did not realise the age of the injured parties. It was a short-lived incident and no injuries were sustained. He is now living with his sister and has stopped drinking alcohol altogether.”

Magistrates handed Hardy a 12-month community order, with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He must also complete 60 hours of unpaid work. Hardy was also told to pay £135 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.